The Atlanta Braves breaking news and discussions.

Good bye Ryan Howard, hello Danny Santana.

The Atlanta Braves have released veteran former Philadelphia Phillies star Ryan Howard who did not impress the Braves coaches at the minor league level. Howard’s batting average did not climb over .200 in AAA Gwinnett. The Braves were looking for a power bat to come off the bench, and were hoping Howard might fill that role. However the Braves did trade with the Minnesota Twins and welcomed Danny Santana.

The Braves have traded minor league Left Handed pitcher Kevin Chapman to the Twins and cash considerations. Santana joined his new team in Houston last night and got the start in left field. Since the Braves are playing at an American League ball park, they are playing with a Designated Hitter. Last night the DH for the Braves was Matt Kemp, who increased his hitting streak to 10 games. Matt Kemp hopes his hitting streak will inspire the Braves as they look to end their losing streak which stands at 5 loses. Over coming 5 first inning runs given up by Bartolo Colon is difficult to do especially on the road against one of the American League’s hottest ball clubs.

The Braves are not certain how they will use Danny Santana as an everyday player. Luckily Santana is versatile and can play several positions in the infield and the outfield. Since the Braves are playing against several American League teams on this road trip, the Designated Hitter position will play a huge role and give Matt Kemp more opportunities to focus on his hitting streak. Dansby Swanson is hitting the ball better at the plate which is a relief to Braves fans. Swanson is starting to hit the ball more into right field instead of relying on his power to hit balls into left or center field.

It might be easy for Braves fans to give up on the Braves, but that isn’t justified yet. The Braves can and will start winning games, and maybe the Braves can rally around Matt Kemp’s hitting streak. Once the Braves address their problems at their starting pitchers position, this lineup is full of potential with Freddie Freeman, Matt Kemp, Nick Markakis, and now new edition Danny Santana. It’s time to get excited about Braves baseball again and cheer for our ball club. GO BRAVES!!!!!